Diffusion-weighted MRI in acute mutism

Mutism defined as a complete loss of speech may be related to psychiatric o r neurologic disorders. The ischemic stroke origins of mutism are often dif ficult to assess at the acute stage. Accordingly, the search for the underl ying mechanism as the localization of the damages may be difficult by conve ntional radiological techniques. Diffusion-weighted (DWI) MRI may accuratel y identify patients with acute ischemic stroke and distinguish them from th ose who mimic acute stroke better than clinical and conventional neuroradio logical methods. This report aims to demonstrate the utility of DWI-MRI in the diagnosis of acute mutism. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.